Editor – Your readers should know that Argyll and Bute Council will soon be reviewing the provision of emergency TeleCare responders as part of their budget discussions.
Currently, users of the system can call for emergency help at any time of day and night, and can be confident of speedy attendance by the dedicated and local responders. Only a small proportion of the calls need to be escalated to request a 999 service.
One proposal being considered is to route TeleCare calls directly to the NHS ambulance service. This will undoubtedly increase the time taken before help
can arrive. The work-load of the local ambulance service – already stretched- will increase. And possibly most importantly, the reassurance and peace of mind the system gives to users and their familieswillbeundermined.
I believe this proposed change would neither reduce the overall cost for the local health service nor provide an acceptable level of help for the users.
I urge all those with concerns over the proposed changes to contact their local Argyll and Bute Council councillors and MSP, to ensure that the TeleCare service continues in its current form.
Fiona Eost
